How Close is Too Close: Fear and Danger When Photographing Brown Bears

A bear's paw is thickly padded like a leather pillow. In sand and grass, they step silently. This bear was moving quickly, and with the wind covering the sound of the rustling grass, it wasn't heard. The only indication that something was off was the woman's stunned look on her face when the bear appeared from the tall grass. After the anxiety dissipated, the experience was hilarious in the retelling. We have a motto at our lodge: if the event doesn't end up in tragedy, "Now you've got a story."

Getting My Mind Into Photographer Mode

When I'm on the river as a photographer, looking to capture photos of bears, I'm in a different mindset than when I'm a fly fishing guide. In photographer mode, I'm 100% focused on the photos I want to capture and will purposely position myself to be as close to a bear as I can. I'm doing this on rivers and streams I'm familiar with, and also familiar with where the bears most frequently visit. This helps in setting up shots, or being able to anticipate potential photos.

Experience can teach you about the bear's habits and what body language to look for. Over time, a sense develops of when it's safe to move in closer. A bear's face, eyes, body movement, and sounds all take on meaning. Awareness and a sense of caution never go away, but you're able to expand your boundaries on how close you can get. Decisions aren't made from fear, but from knowledge and experience.

Photographing the Bears of Alaska

Capturing the personalities of the Alaskan Brown Bear means you have to get up-close and personal.

^{"I've seen blonde bears but this one was almost white. It didn't mind me sitting 30 feet away to take its photo."}

^{A young bear letting the photographer know not to get too close.} 

^{The Mama bear making sure it's safe before going forward.} 

Big "Blondie", a whole lotta brown bear. 

^{Bears become very protective of their food.} 

^{The safest place to be.} 

^{A young bear chasing salmon.}

I dare you. 

A Little Fear Is a Good Thing

The answer to the original question, "Aren't you afraid?" is a little more complicated than a "Yes" or "No" answer. My fear has been replaced with caution, awareness, and respect - with adrenaline rushes and anxiety mixed in. I don't think you could do this job if you are afraid. You have to be able to think quickly and clearly while maintaining your cool. At some point, it becomes just something you do. It's exciting, it's intense, but it becomes familiar and comfortable.

I can't say I'm never afraid though. There are moments or situations where some fear exists, and no doubt it's for the better. There are fearless wildlife photographers, and old wildlife photographers, but there are no fearless, old wildlife photographers.

Too Much Bravado Is a Bad Thing

Sometimes, you are photographing a bear and you keep moving in closer. You take a few photos and you think, "If I can get a little closer, it could be a better shot." So you move a few feet forward, take the shot, and then you want to move in a little more. At some point, probably when you can hear the bear breathing, smell it, or feel its energy—no joke, the energy that comes off an 800 lb bear is tangible, and intense—your body overrides your brain and won't move any closer. 

Learn to listen to your body, it has your best interest at heart. 

And Then the Magic Happens

Magic happens when I am set up with my camera, in a comfortable position, and the bear is right in front of me, 30 feet away. It's occupied with doing bear things, it knows I am there, but doesn't feel threatened or on guard. When this happens, it seems as if there is a bubble around this small event as it unfolds. It's quiet, the sounds of nature becoming more intense but not loud. I've been allowed into this bear's private space, to witness what nature does when no one is watching. What keeps me on my toes is that every once in a while, I catch the bear looking at me, acknowledging my presence, and being okay with it. This acknowledged awareness we both have for each other feels like a connection.

Photographing Near the Edge

I don't fool myself into believing bears are our friends, or they are "just like humans." It's not a Disney movie, and Baloo the bear will F you up real fast if it so decides. I know that judging a bear's behaviour is not an exact science and has some inherent risks. We all have to choose our limits, and how close to the edge we want to dance. I do my best to bring knowledge and experience to what I do, but a life with zero risk is not a life. 

“The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover